San Jacinto Intermediate students raise $1,000 for needy children

ASHLEY HOLT, Contributing Writer

Published 6:00 pm, Tuesday, January 8, 2008

San Jacinto Intermediate School Teen Leadership classes helped hundreds of local children through the holidays as they raised $1,000 and collected 50 toys recently for the Pasadena Police Department's "Officer Santa" program.

Officer Santa helps needy children and families in the Pasadena area by providing toys, clothes and food needed or wanted for the holidays.

The school's teen leadership sponsor Barbara Keogh said the classes discussed the different programs in Pasadena that reach out to people. After Pasadena Police Officer Bo Powers spoke with the students about what they could do to help the Officer Santa program, the students wrote a proposal to school administrators to allow them to hold a dance where students could pay $5 or bring a new toy to attend.

"I am completely overwhelmed at the hard work and generosity our students showed in a time of need," said Keogh. "These are kids that saw a program in need and decided they wanted to be a part of it. They are selfless givers."

Some Teen Leadership concepts taught in class include how to become a better person and a societal contributor as well as how to develop leadership qualities.

"Learning to lead helps the students with their goals in life," Keogh said. "This project gave them an opportunity to grow as individuals and build their confidence through helping others. They need to understand the difference they can make early in life so they can see the bigger impact later on."

Teen Leadership student Aleyda Salazar said it's important for young people to be active in the community by helping others.

"If we help in this way, people will see that we truly care about our community and the people around us," Salazar said.

The Teen Leadership classes along with some art classes made all the decorations for the dance. Several teachers also helped with chaperoning and supplies.

Keogh said the students' participation in this project will also help them build meaningful relationships and the value of helping others.

"Contributing to their community helps these kids understand that school is not just for core subjects and that there is a lot more in life they have to achieve," she said. "Some people feel as though what they have or what they look like makes them the best when really the greatness comes from within. They have to learn now they can make a difference, and through their efforts, I hope my students understand the impact they have had on others."